Kailia Posey as a child on 'Toddlers and Tiaras.' Right: Kailia Posey in her prom dress.
Kailia Posey, who starred in the TLC reality series Toddlers & Tiaras as a young girl, has died at the age of 16, according to her family.
Posey's mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, confirmed the news of her daughter's death on Monday in a Facebook post. She did not share details of her cause of death.
"I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever," she captioned the post.
Gatterman also posted a photo of Posey in her prom dress.
Other photos on Gatterman's page show that Posey went to the prom last week with several friends.
A few hours before sharing the news of Posey's death, Gatterman had posted that she was a "proud mother" as her daughter was preparing to graduate "with honors."
Posey is known for being featured on Toddlers & Tiaras as a child and for her "evil grin" reaction.
She was on the show when she was 5 years old and appeared in just one episode, although that was enough to launch a popular meme.
Kailia Posey as a child on 'Toddlers & Tiaras.' TLC
Posey continued competing in pageants after the show, and in January, she shared on her Instagram account that she would be competing in Miss Washington Teen USA.
A few days ago, Posey also launched another Instagram account called @kailiacontortion, where she said she would be sharing posts of her talent for body contortionism.
People have been flooding her Instagram accounts with messages and condolences since her death.
"Sincerest condolences to all family, friends and loved ones 🙏🏼 may she rest in eternal peace 💖✨🙏🏼," said one user on one of Posey's videos.
"Such a talented and beautiful soul ❤️ gone too soon," said another.
